Who’s Winning the Race for Conor McGregor’s Next Fight?

As the buzz around Conor McGregor's future in the Octagon continues, many fans are left wondering who is leading the potential matchup sweepstakes now that Michael Chandler is ready to step back into the ring after a two-year hiatus.

Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira

Michael Chandler, with a professional record of 23 wins and 8 losses, is gearing up to face Charles Oliveira (34-10) in the co-main event of UFC 309 this Saturday at the iconic Madison Square Garden. The time off has been largely self-imposed, with Chandler waiting for a lucrative matchup against McGregor that never came to fruition. During this period, he has experienced significant online scrutiny, which he dubs as “heavy public shaming.”

“Had the UFC not offered me Oliveira in a No. 1 contender fight, it would have been a hard decision,” Chandler mentioned in a conversation with ESPN, acknowledging that while he still desires a fight with the Irish superstar, Oliveira represents an enticing opportunity at this moment. Chandler's history with Oliveira, who defeated him in 2021, adds an extra layer of intrigue as he aims to redeem himself and secure a title shot.

Chandler's Optimism and McGregor's Speculation

One of the driving factors in Chandler's decision is the ongoing speculation around McGregor's return. The 36-year-old MMA icon has not fought since sustaining a severe leg injury in a TKO defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Although there were plans for a showdown between Chandler and McGregor at UFC 303, McGregor pulled out due to a foot injury, leading to growing skepticism within the MMA community regarding whether McGregor will return to professional fighting at all.

In fact, the Westgate Superbook in Las Vegas recently set hypothetical betting odds, suggesting a 3-1 chance against McGregor ever stepping back into the Octagon. Director John Murray stated, "He’s financially secure, a family man, and with a serious injury in his past, the likelihood of another fight seems remote."

Chandler's Belief in McGregor's Return

Despite this, Chandler remains optimistic about McGregor's return, arguing, “I believe it’s higher than 50% he fights again. Conor has a narrative he wants to fulfill, and pulling out of a fight against me wouldn’t be the ending he desires.” This belief raises the stakes for Chandler as he prepares for Oliveira, with the potential of losing not just this fight but also jeopardizing his chances with McGregor.

Potential Contenders for McGregor's Next Fight

Currently, if McGregor does decide to fight again in 2025, the list of likely contenders has begun to formulate. According to current betting odds, the potential opponents rank as follows:

1. Jorge Masvidal (+225)